The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Potion

Chapter 127 - The Potion *Pulse of Darkness* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru said in an authoritative tone. "Come here."

The hanyou came, muttering all the way, until he stood beside his elder brother. "What?"

"Keep an eye on her. I wish to speak to Kagome."

Inuyasha nodded and turned a hard glare at Migotoyami. The witch stayed perfectly still while she awaited the Western Lord's decision. She was nervous but still confident that he would agree. He cared far too much about this human woman to risk losing her to time.

Sesshoumaru turned his focus to Kagome, taking his eyes off the witch for the first time since she had spoken and announced her presence. His face was serious as he studied his angel. "The decision is ultimately yours, Kagome. I cannot ask you to do this. It is your life that will be affected."

The miko looked up at the taiyoukai with a small smile. "I'd rather not make you watch me grow old and die. I want to stay with you forever. Do you really think it will do what she says it will?"

Sesshoumaru gave a small nod. "I trust Shippo's judgment and am sure you do as well. He would never risk your safety or allow harm to come to you if he could prevent it."

Kagome's smile widened. "Then I guess I'm drinking that horrid smelling potion, huh?" She turned to the witch while holding tightly to her inu's hand. "Is that all I need to do? Drink it?"

"Indeed. The taste will leave much to be desired, but the reward is great. I must warn you; you will lose consciousness for a short while as the magic makes the necessary changes."

Inuyasha snorted. "You just want to make sure he doesn't take your head when she passes out."

"But of course. I would prefer to survive this situation."

"Will it hurt?" the miko asked softly.

"No, you will sleep through it. When you wake, you will feel no different than you always have."

"Okay then. I'll do it," Kagome said, her tone wavering with nervousness.

"And you, My Lord? Do you give your word to forgive my past transgressions against you?"

"That all depends on the results. If any harm comes to her..." he trailed off.

"Then I will suffer a fate worse than death. Yes, I understand and accept those terms." Inside, Migotoyami was quivering with fear, and it was taking every bit of strength she held to keep from shaking like a leaf. She knew her potion would do what she promised, and she knew the Western Lord was an honorable demon who would keep his word, but that didn't make facing off with him any easier.

The witch walked to her cauldron, collecting a goblet along the way, and filled it with the potion she worked so hard on. She approached the group as close as she dared before holding it out. Shippo wanted to go take it from her, but Kagome held him back while Sesshoumaru approached instead. He took the goblet from her hands and brought it back to where everyone waited anxiously. He allowed Shippo to study it closely, and he did the same, taking in the vile scent to assure himself it contained nothing he might identify as harmful.

When both demons were satisfied, Kagome accepted it. Trying to break the tension, she grinned. "Over the lips and through the gums, look out stomach, here it comes." She brought the goblet to her lips and downed the liquid as quickly as possible. Sesshoumaru had to fight down an incredibly inappropriate chuckle at the face she made. "Gods, that was horrible!" she gasped. She shook her head violently as if trying to shake the taste from her tongue when she suddenly began to feel lightheaded.

She turned to Sesshoumaru just in time for him to watch her eyes roll back in her head. The taiyoukai caught her and held her close, his ears trained on the sound of her heartbeat and breathing. When he was convinced that she was not in danger, he turned his eyes on the witch.

"How long?"

"It shouldn't take more than a few minutes, My Lord."